Experience Galena’s premier summer festival — live music, hot air balloon rides, night glows & community fun, raising funds for Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) & Camp Herko Hollow. JUNE 18-20, 2027 BALLOON RIDES Take your Great Galena Balloon Race experience to new heights with an unforgettable hot air balloon ride! LEARN MORE VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER Want to be part of the action? Sign up to volunteer at the Great Galena Balloon Race and help make this incredible event take flight while enjoying a behind-the-scenes experience you won’t forget. The Great Galena Balloon Race kicks off this year on Friday, June 19 and runs until Sunday, June 21. Check out this year's schedule. SCHEDULE SCHEDULE Click here to view The Great Galena Balloon Race event map. EVENT MAP MAP OUR SPONSORS CONTACT US GOT A QUESTION? There’s a good chance we’ve already answered it! Be sure to check out our FAQ and Event Schedule pages before reaching out—they’re packed with helpful info.

Experience Galena’s premier summer festival — live music, hot air balloon rides, night glows & community fun, raising funds for Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) & Camp Herko Hollow. JUNE 18-20, 2027 NEW FOR 2026 Friday Night Saturday Night BALLOON RIDES Take your Great Galena Balloon Race experience to new heights with an unforgettable hot air balloon ride! LEARN MORE VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER Want to be part of the action? Sign up to volunteer at the Great Galena Balloon Race and help make this incredible event take flight while enjoying a behind-the-scenes experience you won’t forget. The Great Galena Balloon Race kicks off this year on Friday, June 19 and runs until Sunday, June 21. Check out this year's schedule. SCHEDULE SCHEDULE Click here to view The Great Galena Balloon Race event map. EVENT MAP MAP OUR SPONSORS CONTACT US GOT A QUESTION? There’s a good chance we’ve already answered it! Be sure to check out our FAQ and Event Schedule pages before reaching out—they’re packed with helpful info.

Everything you need to know before attending the Great Galena Balloon Race—FAQs on schedules, parking, tickets, balloon launches, volunteering, and more. FAQs GENERAL EVENT QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EVENT BALLOON RIDES WEATHER WHAT TO BRING & WHAT NOT TO BRING PARKING What is the cost to attend the GGBR? Admission to the Great Galena Balloon Race is $5 per person for anyone over the age of three. This is a cash donation that is paid at the gate when you arrive. All proceeds from admission go directly to support Breakthrough T1D and Camp Hertko Hollow, helping fund research, support programs, and life-changing camp experiences for children living with type 1 diabetes. We like to think of it less as an entry fee and more as a small donation to two incredible causes. Your support helps make the event possible while giving back to families affected by T1D. As with any outdoor event, all activities are weather permitting, and donations are non-refundable. While we always hope for favorable weather, hot air balloons can only fly when conditions are safe. If weather prevents the balloons from flying, your donation is still supporting a great cause, and you'll still be able to enjoy the event, including live music, food vendors, beverages, family activities, and the overall festival atmosphere. Can I get a refund if the balloons don't fly? No. Admission to the Great Galena Balloon Race is a donation that helps support our charitable beneficiaries, including Breakthrough T1D and Camp Hertko Hollow. While we always hope for favorable weather, hot air balloons can only fly when conditions are safe. If weather prevents the balloons from flying, your donation is still supporting a great cause, and you'll still be able to enjoy the event, including live music, food vendors, beverages, family activities, and the overall festival atmosphere. As with any outdoor event, all activities are weather permitting, and donations are non-refundable. Can I take a ride in a hot air balloon at the event? Absolutely! Galena On The Fly will have ride balloons flying alongside the other balloons during the event. Balloon rides are $250 per person and offered Friday PM, Saturday AM & PM and Sunday AM (weather permitting) . Watching the balloons launch is incredible—but experiencing it from the basket is unforgettable! Why do you call it a Balloon “Race” if there is no competition? When the Great Galena Balloon Race first started in 2002, it actually was a competitive balloon race. Pilots competed in traditional hot air balloon tasks that tested their flying skills and navigation. Over the years, however, weather conditions often made it difficult to safely hold competitions—and sometimes prevented balloons from flying at all. Because of this, the event gradually evolved into more of a festival-style gathering where pilots fly simply for the joy of flying and for the crowd to enjoy the spectacle of hot air balloons. Even though the competition is no longer part of the event, the name Great Galena Balloon Race has been part of the tradition for more than two decades. At this point, changing it just wouldn’t feel right. The name stayed the same—the spirit of the event just shifted from competition to celebration. Will there be ATMs available at the event?/ Can I purchase items with a credit card? There will be one ATM available on site, but with thousands of attendees expected, lines can be long and cash may run out. The Great Galena Balloon Race is a cash-only event, so we strongly recommend stopping at an ATM before you arrive. Bringing cash will help make entry, food vendors, and other purchases quicker and easier so you can spend more time enjoying the balloons!

BALLOON RIDES Take your Great Galena Balloon Race experience to new heights with an unforgettable hot air balloon ride! BALLOON RIDES Take your Great Galena Balloon Race experience to new heights with an unforgettable hot air balloon ride! Weather permitting, a limited number of rides are available during the event, offering breathtaking views of Galena Country from above. Each flight provides a one-of-a-kind perspective of the rolling hills, scenic countryside, and colorful balloons filling the sky. Flights are $250 per person and last approximately 45 minutes to one hour. All launches take place directly from the event field, and once you land, you’ll be transported back to the field. S pace is extremely limited and fills quickly, so advance reservations are highly recommended. Whether it’s your first flight or a bucket-list adventure, this is your chance to be part of the magic—don’t just watch the balloons… ride in one! Please check out the FAQ PAGE for more info on the balloon rides. BOOK NOW

Layout and parking areas for the Great Galena Balloon Race. For Google Map directions to any of these locations, click the button! DIRECTIONS

CONTACT US Before you ask, please read the SCHEDULE & FAQ pages. First Name* Last Name Email* Message Submit

Through this event, we proudly support Breakthrough T1D and Camp Hertko Hollow, two organizations dedicated to improving the lives of those living with type 1 diabetes. Together, we help raise awareness, provide resources, and support programs that empower children and families to thrive. The Great Galena Balloon Race is more than just a spectacular weekend of hot air ballooning— it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Through this event, we proudly support Breakthrough T1D and Camp Hertko Hollow, two organizations dedicated to improving the lives of those living with type 1 diabetes. Together, we help raise awareness, provide resources, and support programs that empower children and families to thrive. Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a lifelong autoimmune condition that can affect anyone at any age. In people with T1D, the body’s immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin—an essential hormone that helps turn food into energy. Because their bodies no longer produce insulin, people living with T1D must take insulin through injections or an insulin pump every day. Although managing type 1 diabetes requires constant care, with the right support and resources, individuals living with T1D can live full, active, and healthy lives. DONATE TO BREAKTHROUGH T1D Camp Hertko Hollow is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children living with Type 1 Diabetes. Through a variety of programs offered throughout the year—including summer camp and family camp—Camp Hertko Hollow helps connect and support families navigating life with T1D. These programs provide a safe and supportive environment where children can enjoy an educational, therapeutic, and fun camping experience while building confidence, independence, and a positive outlook on living with diabetes. DONATE TO CAMP HERTKO

Directions and where to park at the Great Galena Balloon Race HOW TO PARK AT THE GREAT GALENA BALLOON RACE DIRECTIONS FREE PARKING & SHUTTLE LOCATIONS - Big Field at the intersection of W Mt. Hope Road & Thunder Bay Road - South Golf Course Parking Lot - East Golf Couse Parking Lot Follow the signs to remote parking. FOUR shuttles run about every 20 minutes. NO SHUTTLE for the 5:00 am Flights on Saturday & Sunday mornings. Come straight to the event field (park on Walnut Hill Drive) HANDICAP PARKING Spaces in the North Golf Course Lot (directly across the street from the event.) - limited spaces available - must have a State issued handicap parking certificate

Bring your classic, custom, muscle car, hot rod, truck, or specialty vehicle and join us for the Great Galena Balloon Race Cruise-In! Whether you're showing off a beautifully restored classic, a modern custom build, or your weekend cruiser, all makes, models, and years are welcome. Cruise-In car show! Great Galena Balloon Race Bring your classic, custom, muscle car, hot rod, truck, or specialty vehicle and join us for the Great Galena Balloon Race Cruise-In! Whether you're showing off a beautifully restored classic, a modern custom build, or your weekend cruiser, all makes, models, and years are welcome. Cruise-In participants typically begin arriving between 5:00 and 5:30 PM. As spectators enter the balloon race grounds at 5:00 PM, they'll have the opportunity to stroll through the Cruise-In and admire the vehicles before the evening balloon launch begins around 6:30 PM. This is a casual, non-judged event designed for car enthusiasts to gather, share stories, and enjoy an evening surrounded by great cars, hot air balloons, food, live music, and thousands of spectators. Participants are welcome to stay as long as they'd like. Most vehicles remain on display until approximately 7:30 PM, while others stay throughout the evening festivities, which conclude at 10:00 PM. No registration. No judging. Just great cars and a great evening at the Great Galena Balloon Race. Getting Here is Easy! Enter Eagle Ridge via Territory Drive and turn onto Maintenance Road. Follow the marked route to the North Course Driving Range, where Cruise-In volunteers will direct you to the display area. the details Location: North Course Driving Range at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, Galena, Illinois Entrance Route: Enter via Maintenance Road off Territory Drive and follow the directional signage to the Cruise-In area (see map below). Arrival Time: Cruise in between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM. Display Area: Vehicles will be parked on the North Course Driving Range alongside the Great Galena Balloon Race launch field. Cost: Free to participate. Registration: No registration required. Vehicle Eligibility: All classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods, customs, trucks, and specialty vehicles are welcome. Public Viewing: Balloon Race spectators begin entering the grounds at 5:00 PM, giving them plenty of time to admire the vehicles before the balloons launch. Balloon Launch: Weather permitting, hot air balloons are scheduled to launch around 6:30 PM. Stay As Long As You'd Like: Most participants remain until approximately 7:30 PM, but you're welcome to stay and enjoy the evening festivities. Event Features: Food vendors, beverages, live music, family activities, and dozens of hot air balloons. Departure: Participants may leave at any time. Please use caution and watch for pedestrians when exiting the display area.

View the full schedule of events for the Great Galena Balloon Race, including balloon launches, special activities, entertainment, and weekend highlights. friday june 19 5:00 PM – Gates Open Food & beverages available for purchase. 5:00 – 9:00 PM Inflatables for the kids! 5:30 PM – Live Music - The Wundo Band 6:30 PM – Hot Air Balloons Launch The balloons take to the sky! NOTE: This is an approximate time as in some wind conditions, the pilots will wait until the wind calm before ascension. Sponsored by Galena On The Fly 8:30 PM – Night Glow Extravaganza Watch the balloons light up the night sky! Sponsored by Stephenson Service Company Event hours approximately 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM Times may change depending on weather conditions. saturday june 20 5:00 AM – Crack of Dawn Balloon Launch Watch the balloons launch at sunrise! Balloons inflate and launch in about 30 minutes Bring a coffee and a folding chair and enjoy a peaceful morning Flight status updates will be posted on Facebook and the event website ⚠️ Important: There is NO shuttle service for the 5:00 AM flights. Please park along Walnut Hill Dr near the event field. 5:00 PM – Gates Open Food & beverages available for purchase. 5:00 – 9:00 PM Inflatables for the kids! 5:30 PM – Live Music - The Noize 5:30 PM – Classic Car Show Featuring car clubs from around the region. 6:30 PM – Hot Air Balloons Launch The balloons take to the sky! NOTE: This is an approximate time as in some wind conditions, the pilots will wait until the wind calm before ascension. Sponsored by Galena On The Fly 8:30 PM – Night Glow Extravaganza Watch the balloons light up the night sky! Sponsored by Stephenson Service Company Event hours approximately 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM Times may change depending on weather conditions. SUNDAY june 21 5:00 AM – Crack of Dawn Balloon Launch Watch the balloons launch at sunrise! Balloons inflate and launch in about 30 minutes Bring a coffee and a folding chair and enjoy a peaceful morning Flight status updates will be posted on Facebook and the event website ⚠️ Important: There is NO shuttle service for the 5:00 AM flights. Please park along Walnut Hill Dr near the event field.

Get directions to the Great Galena Balloon Race in Galena, IL, along with helpful information about parking and arriving at the event.

Join the volunteer team at the Great Galena Balloon Race. Help create an unforgettable event while supporting Breakthrough T1D and Camp Hertko Hollow.